Planned Improvement Works

Description

Orbit is undertaking a strategic review of its planned improvement works operating model to identify opportunities for long-term partnerships that deliver enhanced value, innovation, efficiency, and customer outcomes. Orbit plans to run a new procurement exercise in 2026/27 in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and public procurement regulations. This will lead to the appointment of partners to deliver Property Improvement works (the Services) to Orbit's homes in the Midlands, South and East of England. The duration of the contract has not yet been determined however it is estimated that this will be c. £500 million over a potential 5 year period. We are exploring a range of options ranging from 3 years to 15 years including potential extensions. The planned start date for the new contracts is 1st April 2028. Orbit will conduct a Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 to appoint contractors, and this is currently programmed to commence in October 2026, with the contracts being awarded by the end of September 2027. Orbit recognise the value and risk mitigation and benefits of affording a contract mobilisation period of at least 6 months, within the procurement timetable. This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is published for research purposes, and to encourage market engagement from Contractors that deliver Planned Improvement Works in various regions. It serves as an opportunity for suppliers to have their say and offer feedback, to help inform the development of the requirements prior to release of the tender (estimated November 2026). This notice is to capture market intelligence for: Theme 1: Orbit's Strategy Theme 2: Cost and Commercial Theme 3: Quality and Technical Theme 4: Supply Chain and Materials Theme 5: Contract Management and Supplier Relationships It has the following provisional objectives: • Establish a sustainable and collaborative long-term delivery model for planned improvements • Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and Section 20 consultation requirements • Improve customer experience and service quality through consistency with Orbit's Everyday Excellence programme and 2030 Strategy • Deliver value for money commercial models. • Support building safety, carbon reduction, and golden-thread data requirements. • Minimise service disruption during transition and mobilisation. The scope is anticipated to include a range of trades that make maintaining customers' homes to a high standard possible, such as: • Kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, external works, windows, doors, decorations, flooring, mechanical and electrical installations. • Fire safety remediation works (non-urgent FRA actions and external wall remediation) • Retrofit and decarbonisation works. This list is for an indication only, and Orbit is seeking feedback from the market through this market engagement event to inform the final scope. The overall value is estimated to be up to £100m per annum however, Orbit are seeking information from Participants of this process which could support in determining the scope, scale and lotting structure of this opportunity. Therefore, we encourage SME organisations to apply. Orbit Group Limited is publishing this notice to facilitate early engagement with potential providers. It relates only to pre-procurement market engagement in accordance with Procurement Act 2023. It is not a Call for Competition. For avoidance of doubt, participation in this market engagement exercise is not a prerequisite to bid for the tender.